First introduced in 1930 by Gaston Vuitton as a moderately sized weekender bag, the Louis Vuitton Keepall aimed to serve people on the go. Since then, the bag has become more than just a travel bag; it’s become an iconic staple for jet-setting luxury travelers.
One of the most popular sizes – Keepall 45, has become so popular that influencers ranging from Negin Mirsalehi to celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Bradley Cooper have been spotted sporting the glorified duffle bag.
But while the bag has become a fashion staple for many, does the Keepall 45 truly serve its function? Or is it simply yet another pretty-looking travel bag? And most of all, is it worth the $2,100 price tag?
The Keepall Bandoulière Design
While Louis Vuitton still offers the old-school Keepall, the Keepall Bandoulière — the company’s newer and more popular take on the bag — comes with a detachable strap. In addition, it comes in four different sizes: Keepall 45, Keepall 50, Keepall 55 and Keepall 60. The numbers are indicative of the width of the Keepall in centimeters.
Today, we’ll be reviewing the Keepall Bandoulière 45.
While sizes 45, 50 and 55 are all carry-on approved, the 45 is the easiest and can be stowed above or below an airplane seat. The other two sizes, 50 and 55, may or may not fit in the overhead compartment depending on the carrier. The Keepall 60, meanwhile, is simply too big for the cabin — making it perhaps a better choice for road trips.
The Bandoulière comes in a variety of colors, including the traditional Monogram Canvas, Monogram Eclipse, Damier Graphite Canvas, Damier Ebene and Monogram Macassar (the style featured in this review) and bags in all color variations come with a detachable strap, unlike the traditional Keepall duffle bag. The Bandoulière also features an extra vertical leather strap across the bag itself for added strength.
Durability
The Keepall Bandoulière 45 in Monogram Macassar is not just sleek, but it can also potentially hide more wear and tear, at least when compared to the traditional Monogram Canvas print. While the bag is easy on the eyes, it is more delicate than expected and just as prone to wear and tear.
On the inside, the bag has a deep maroon liner. So any spills on the inside can be quickly wiped away without too much worry.
The padlock and keys add a nice touch to the overall aesthetic. Hold them in your hand and you can feel their weight. That being said, while the padlock offers some security, it could most likely be very easily broken into.
Size, Functionality & Purpose
When packing the Keepall Bandoulière 45, getting an insert for the bag might be the best way to go; otherwise, it becomes a bottomless pit of discovery. Check out the inserts we recommend for the bag here.
It’s best to be mindful of the weight of the items because, after a while, the bag can feel quite heavy, especially when you opt for the short handles or strap.
Of all the sizes, the Keepall Bandoulière 45 seems to offer the most versatility. The duffle can easily be used as a bougie gym bag, it can fit in a water bottle, a change of clothes, sneakers and toiletries, or it can be used as a carry-on bag when traveling on a plane. It can also serve as a weekend bag (if only the essentials are packed) but would probably work the best for a one-night stay.
And in terms of lugging the Keepall 45 around from one place to the next, the duffle works best for shorter trips as the thin strap of the bag can quickly wreak havoc on your shoulders (especially if the bag is heavy). The strap, however, is detachable and can be replaced with a thicker one.
Overall Recommendation
For someone who is looking for versatility and can get past the $2100 (including taxes) price tag, the Keepall Bandoulière 45 is the best option. Wear and tear is something that needs to be considered in order to get the full use out of the bag—as such, being okay with scuffs is a must. And lastly, the user must value aesthetics over functionality.
